Idiom B2

The tables have turned

A situation has reversed so that someone who was weaker is now in a stronger position

Meaning

The tables have turned means a situation has reversed so that the balance of power or advantage has switched between two sides. The person or group who was once losing, weaker, or at a disadvantage is now winning or in control, and vice versa. Literal: turning a games table around. Figurative: a complete reversal of fortune between rivals.

Origin & History

The idiom comes from board games such as backgammon and chess. Centuries ago, players sometimes literally turned the board around so that each player took over the other's position — instantly swapping who was ahead. The phrase 'turn the tables' has been used in English since at least the early 17th century to describe reversing a disadvantage into an advantage.

From this gaming origin, the expression spread to any contest or conflict — sport, business, law, or personal relationships — where fortunes suddenly reverse. The active form 'turn the tables (on someone)' means to cause the reversal yourself, while 'the tables have turned' simply states that the reversal has happened.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
For years the small startup struggled, but now the tables have turned and the giant is copying them.Business, reversal
She used to ask me for help; now the tables have turned and she's teaching the class.Personal, role reversal
After the comeback in the second half, the tables had completely turned.Sport, momentum
Once the evidence appeared, the tables turned and the accuser became the accused.Law, reversal of blame

How to Use It

Use 'the tables have turned' or 'the tables have turned on someone' to describe a reversal that has already happened. To say you caused it, use the active form 'turn the tables on someone'. It is neutral to informal and very common in sport, business, and storytelling. Note the plural 'tables', even though the reversal often involves just one situation.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

The table has turned on him.

The tables have turned on him. — The idiom uses the plural 'tables', not the singular 'table'.

He turned the tables for the situation.

He turned the tables on his rivals. — Use 'on' plus the person or group affected, not 'for'.

The tables have turned, so everything is exactly the same.

The tables have turned, so the situation has completely reversed. — The idiom means a reversal, not 'no change'.

Similar Idioms

The ball is in your court A taste of your own medicine Back to square one All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "the tables have turned" mean?
"The tables have turned" means a situation has completely reversed, so that the person who was previously at a disadvantage is now at an advantage, and the one who was ahead is now behind.
Where does "the tables have turned" come from?
It comes from board games like backgammon and chess, where players once literally turned the board around to swap positions. The phrase "turn the tables" has been used in English since the early 17th century to mean reversing a disadvantage.
Can you give an example of "the tables have turned" in a sentence?
"For years the small startup struggled, but now the tables have turned and the giant is copying them." Another: "She used to ask me for help; now the tables have turned and she\u0027s teaching the class."
Is "the tables have turned" formal or informal?
It is neutral to informal. It is common in sport commentary, business writing, journalism, and storytelling. It is acceptable in many professional contexts but a little dramatic for strictly formal reports.
What CEFR level is "the tables have turned"?
B2. Learners need to understand the metaphor of a reversal and the fixed plural form, so it suits upper-intermediate and advanced students.
What is the difference between "turn the tables" and "the tables have turned"?
"Turn the tables on someone" is active — you cause the reversal. "The tables have turned" is descriptive — it states that the reversal has happened, without saying who caused it.
What are common mistakes with "the tables have turned"?
Using the singular "table", saying "turn the tables for" instead of "on", and thinking the idiom means "nothing changed". It always describes a clear reversal of advantage, and uses the plural "tables".
What idioms are similar to "the tables have turned"?
Similar expressions include "the shoe is on the other foot", "the boot is on the other foot" (British), "a reversal of fortune", and "a taste of your own medicine". All describe a switch in advantage.
Can "the tables have turned" be used in writing?
Yes, in journalism, blogs, sport reports, and narrative writing. It adds drama to a description of changing fortunes. In strictly formal academic writing, use "the situation has reversed" instead.
How do I practise idioms like "the tables have turned"?
Use LexFizz Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and describe a sports match or story where fortunes reversed — "by the second half, the tables had turned" — to make the idiom memorable.